What this is
The Full Monty is a beloved Broadway musical comedy based on the iconic 1997 British film of the same name, following six unemployed steelworkers who form a male striptease act to make ends meet. The show earned nine Tony Award nominations including Best Musical when it debuted on Broadway, cementing its status as a modern classic of the musical theatre canon. This summer 2026 production is a special US-Japan co-production performed entirely in English, bringing together Broadway talent and Japanese performers for a unique cross-cultural staging. The lead role of Jerry is played by Koji Yamamoto, known for his work in the 2024 Japanese production of RENT, while comedian and filmmaker Yuryan Retriever makes her musical theatre debut alongside accomplished Broadway performers. The production tells a heartwarming story of male friendship, dignity, and personal transformation that resonates across cultures.
Who should go
This show is ideal for musical theatre fans, expats missing Broadway-calibre productions, and anyone who loves the warmth and humour of the original film. The all-English performance makes it especially accessible to non-Japanese speakers, and the cross-cultural casting adds a genuinely exciting dimension to a well-loved story. Fans of Koji Yamamoto from the 2024 RENT production will find this a compelling next chapter, and Yuryan Retriever's debut adds an element of novelty for those who follow Japanese comedy and film. Couples, groups of friends, and solo theatregoers will all feel at home in the intimate atmosphere of Tokyo International Forum Hall C. Book tickets early as English-language Broadway musicals of this calibre are rare in Tokyo and seats are likely to sell out.
Good to know
Tickets are most reliably purchased through eplus.jp or pia.jp, both of which accept foreign credit cards; select convenience store pickup (combini ukewatashi) at Lawson to avoid delivery complications. Tokyo International Forum Hall C seats approximately 1,500 and is a fully seated, air-conditioned venue — comfortable for a full-length musical running roughly two hours with an interval. The Forum is one of Tokyo's most visitor-friendly venues, with English signage throughout, accessible facilities, and a staffed cloakroom for larger bags. As this is an all-English production, no Japanese language ability is required to enjoy the show. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to collect tickets, find your seat, and pick up a programme before the house opens.
This event was sourced and translated from Japanese by What's On Japan. Details may change — verify with the official source before attending.